Credit: The Associated Press

Atlanta Hawks power forward Ivan Johnson (44) dunks the ball against the Indiana Pacers during the second half in Game 3 of their first-round NBA basketball playoff series, Saturday, April 27, 2013 in Atlanta.

ATLANTA — When Ivan Johnson is banging around in the lane and staring down opponents, the Atlanta Hawks are a different team.

They hope the bearded, bruising forward can keep it up in Game 4 of the playoffs against the Indiana Pacers.

While Al Horford was the star of Atlanta's Game 3 rout, it was Johnson who set the physical tone the Hawks so desperately needed after losing the first two games in Indianapolis. He played more than 26 minutes off the bench, scoring seven points, grabbing seven rebounds and picking up five fouls in 90-69 blowout.